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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Flexmod P3 Help

Joined
Sep 11, 2011
Messages
249
Points
18
Hello All,

I'm using P3 drivers for my projector set up. However, one of the P3 driver seem to be not working properly. I set up 3 P3 drivers using the manual provided here http://hacylon.case.edu/laser/FlexModP3/FlexModP3_Manual.pdf.
I added drivers to my two red and one blue diode lasers but on the last one, it seems to refuse to provide enough voltage for the IR diode in my green module. I've checked that the green module is working with my adjustable PSU. I thought P3 drivers were supposed to automatically adjust the output voltage to what is needed? :confused: I am able to adjust the driver current by turning the pot and measuring it with a mutlimeter. Has anyone had the same experience? The power supply is providing 7V to the driver so that shouldn't be the issue. Also, the red error indicator light isn't on so I'm confused. The transistor on the driver is glued with thermal glue to a huge piece of metal so I don't think overheating was the issue. Could static electric have killed the driver?

Thanks for helping!
 
Last edited:





Joined
Oct 26, 2007
Messages
5,438
Points
83
Well, try taking a picture of the setup and all that just to rule out any mishaps. Maybe modulating a green laser driver, as opposed to a bare diode, is the problem; though it doesn't seem like it really would be since the P3 is just a linear driver.
 
Joined
Sep 11, 2011
Messages
249
Points
18
Okay, I just tried the driver with a Mits 300mW diode and it worked. Are there any reasons that prevents the green from working with the P3? The green module is a 200mW module from laserlands found here. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/110887376286...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_2501wt_1163.

I removed the driver from the green module and soldered leads onto the pins. The leads are then directly connected to the P3 driver.

Should I reattach the driver and modulate the driver instead and not just the bare IR diode?

Update: I tried modulating the driver and it didn't work either. The voltage drop is something like 0.2V with and without the driver and that's not right. I'm not adjusting the 0 Bias pot too much out of fear that it may suddenly jump to a very high current and kill the diode.

I can't think of a reason of it not working though. It should just be an IR diode which is run at ~2V and ~600mA...?
 
Last edited:
Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
9,399
Points
113
Put an ammeter on the output like the manual says and power on the flexmod. What does the ammeter read? Supply the modulation line with 5V. What does the ammeter read?

If the voltage drop across the green is 0.2V as you say, there's a short in your circuit somewhere. Take note: the case is positive, so the entire heat sink will also be at that potential.
 




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